3. RESOURCES - NUS - Home

CONSERVATORY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013
3. RESOURCES
3.1 OPENING HOURS
3.1.1 Conservatory Building
(During Semesters)
Monday – Sunday:
(Including Public Holidays)
6:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight
Entrance to most areas of the building is by card access only. Opening hours
during the vacations will be shorter.
3.1.2 Administration Offices
Tel: 6516-1167
Fax: 6872-6915
(During Semesters)
Monday - Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday, Sunday:
& Public Holidays
8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Closed
3.1.3 Music Library
Tel: 6516-8130
(During Semesters)
Monday - Friday: 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Week 1 – 13)
8:00 AM to 8.00 PM (Week 14 - 16)
Saturday:
9.00 AM to 6.00 PM
Sunday: Closed (Week 1 – 12)
11.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Week 13 – 16)
Public Holidays: Closed (Week 1 – 12)
11.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Week 14 – 16)
(During Vacations)
Monday - Friday:
8.30 AM to 6.00 PM
Saturday Sunday:
Closed
& Public Holidays
3.1.4 Security Office
Opening Hours – round the clock, 7 days a week.
Conservatory Building Security
Tel: 6516-7476
Campus Security
Tel: 6516-1616
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CONSERVATORY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013
3.2 FACILITIES
Officially opened in 2006, the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Building
houses state-of-the-art facilities for training professional musicians. These
include a 600-seat concert hall, approximately 80 sound-proof and
temperature controlled studios and practice spaces, a music library, smart
classrooms, and one of the largest recording studios in Asia.
The building, designed by RSP Architects Planners and Engineers, exploits
the brightness of the tropical environment through the use of glass panels
which allow natural light into as many spaces as possible. The main façade is
fronted by full-length glass panels which offer views into the foyer of the
concert hall and library. The glass walls are supported by paired bow trusses
which look like the strings on a violin or cello. Another interesting aspect of
the design is that the outer walls are concave in nature enabling non-parallel
walls (acoustically ideal) to be a constant feature of the internal architecture.
3.2.1 Conservatory Concert Hall
The 600-seat concert hall is purpose-built for classical music performances,
and is an ideal venue for chamber music as well as for symphony orchestra
concerts. The narrower width of the seating area in the stalls creates an
intimate feel, which opens up to embrace the curve of the stage. Sound
reflectors above the stage allow the acoustic height of the room to be
adjusted for different performances.
The rectangular “shoe-box” shape of the hall is also found in world-class
concert halls such as Symphony Hall in Boston, Amsterdam’s
Concertgebouw and the Musikverein in Vienna. The surface finishes were
chosen for both architectural and acoustical value. One of the most
interesting details is the balcony front, which is made of maple wood. Its
curved surfaces help to homogenize the hall’s acoustics, while the grooves of
varying depths diffuse sound waves to every corner of the room. The wavy
finishes of the wall panels create a similar diffusion effect.
The hall was designed by German consultant Eckhard Kahle of Kahle
Acoustics, in collaboration with UK-based Theatre Projects Consultants.
3.2.2 Conservatory Orchestra Hall
The Orchestra Hall is an alternative performance venue suitable for chamber
music and solo recitals. Its acoustically treated walls and absence of
structural columns also make it an ideal space for large ensemble rehearsals.
3.2.3 Steven Baxter Recital Studio
The Steven Baxter Recital Studio is an intimate performance space suitable
for chamber music, solo recitals and lectures. It seats an audience of 80 and
is fully equipped to support video conferencing.
3.2.4 Teaching Studios
These studios are where students have their Applied Major Study lessons.
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CONSERVATORY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013
3.2.5 Practice Rooms
These rooms are subject to heavy use and measures are in place to ensure
that these rooms are for practice and rehearsal only. Students can reserve
practice room times a week in advance.
3.2.6 Seminar Rooms
Seminar Rooms are smart classrooms that are equipped with Ethernet, digital
and analog audio-visual equipment, such as DVD and CD players, iMac
computers, digital visual presenters, video projectors, high quality screens,
and more.
3.2.7 Ensemble Rooms
Ensemble Rooms are to be used for rehearsals for chamber ensembles,
sectionals for large ensembles, studio classes and other larger ensemble
rehearsals. All ensemble room bookings are scheduled by the Concerts &
Events Office and the Academic Affairs Office.
3.2.8 Recording Studio
The Conservatory Recording Studio is one of the most comprehensive
studios in any educational facility in the world. It is linked to the
Conservatory’s Concert Hall as well as to the Recital Studio and Orchestra
Hall. The latest studio diffusion technology from RPG diffuser Inc. makes this
floating construction, variable acoustical environment extremely ideal for
either classical or modern music production.
3.2.9 Keyboard Lab
The Keyboard Lab is equipped with Yamaha Clavinova keyboards and
Macintosh iBooks that integrate technology into teaching.
3.2.10 Music Technology Lab
The Music Technology Lab is equipped with iMac computers and M-Audio
keyboard controllers plus software that enable students to learn
notation/sequencing applications as well as building websites and
incorporating technology in their learning.
3.2.11 Computer Room
The Computer Room is for students to use to access the University’s website,
prepare written assignments, research, and to use their e-mail accounts.
These computers can be used to book practice rooms.
3.2.12 Student Lounge
The Student Lounge is located on the 3 rd floor of the Conservatory building,
opposite the Orchestra Hall. The lounge is a facility for students to eat, drink
and relax in between classes and rehearsals.
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CONSERVATORY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013
3.2.13 Faculty Lounge
The Faculty Lounge is located on the third floor of the building near the
teaching studios. Card access is restricted to faculty members only. Students
are not allowed in this area under any circumstances.
3.2.14 Music Library
Music books, scores, CDs and DVDs are kept in the Music Library. Student
matriculation cards serve as library cards for checking out materials.
LINC (http://linc.nus.edu.sg) is the online catalog for the entire collection of
the NUS libraries. It allows users to search for materials by title, author,
composer, subject or musical instrument. Check LINC to find the call number
and the exact location of the books/scores in the library. LINC terminals are
located on both floors of the Music Library.
Music books and study/full scores are kept on the open shelves on the 2nd
floor of the Music Library. These materials are shelved by call numbers.
Students may check out books and scores at the Loan Counter on the 1st
floor or at the self-service machine near the library entrance/exit.
Chamber music scores in parts, CDs, and DVDs are kept behind the Loan
Counter. To check out these materials, students need to record the Stack
Number from LINC before requesting for them at the Loan Counter. Individual
parts of chamber music scores may be checked out separately. Listening and
viewing stations for CDs/DVDs are available on the same floor. Reserved
readings and listening materials (RBR or red spot materials) are also kept
behind the Loan Counter.
Electronic journals, encyclopedias and indexes/abstracts can be accessed via
the workstations located on the 1st floor of the Music Library near the LINC
terminals.
These resources can also be accessed from any PCs or laptops in campus
by going to the Library Portal (http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg). Access from home
is also possible.
3.2.15 Printing Facilities
Cashcard printing facilities are available at the Computer Room and at the
Music Library.
3.2.16 The Workshop
The Workshop is home to the the Balinese Gamelan which is used for the
Music in the Global Context course as well as Professional Development
programmes. It is decorated with many traditional Balinese items including
masks and a variety of paintings, offering a unique environment in which to
pursue creative work. The Workshop has full facilities to present lectures,
such as a computer, visualizer, projector, and a quality sound system. It can
accommodate an audience of up to 40 for intimate performances.
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CONSERVATORY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013
3.3 INSTRUMENTS
Musical instruments owned by the Conservatory are available for students to
borrow, subject to availability and faculty recommendation. These instruments
can only be used within the premises of the Conservatory or for the purpose
of instrumental classes and ensemble rehearsals and/or performances.
The Conservatory will loan out instruments to students for their participation
in international competitions and professional engagements that are
endorsed by the Conservatory on a case-by-case basis.
At the end of the first semester, all Conservatory musical instruments must be
checked in and inspected for care, condition, and necessary repairs. After
the instruments have been inspected, students will be allowed to check out
the Conservatory music instruments over the holiday break as long as the
instruments are not taken out of the Conservatory Building.
At the end of the second semester, all Conservatory musical instruments
must be checked in for repair and maintenance. No musical instruments may
be checked out over the vacations unless the student has the approval of the
student’s Applied Major Study teacher and the Conservatory Director.
3.4 EQUIPMENT
3.4.1 Lockers
Instrument and book lockers are located on the second floor of the
Conservatory building. These lockers are reserved only for music majors
enrolled in regular classes at the Conservatory. Most students will be
assigned an instrument locker and a book locker for his/her exclusive use in
each academic year. Exchanging of lockers is not permitted. The
Conservatory is not responsible for the loss of or damage to property stored
in the assigned locker. The Conservatory reserves the right to inspect lockers
at any time.
3.4.2 Music Stands and Chairs
Music stands and chairs belong to the Conservatory. Stands and chairs
allocated to any room must remain in that room. Any equipment taken out of
the rooms must be returned to the same room at the end of the rehearsal
session. No music chairs and stands are to be removed from the
Conservatory Building.
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CONSERVATORY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013
3.5 RECORDING SERVICES
3.5.1 Bookings
3.5.2 Fees
a) Online Submission Request must be submitted for all Duplication
Requests/Recording Session bookings. The online form can be found at
the following webpage
http://scmapp.nus.edu.sg/recordingstudio/requestform.aspx
b) Recording Studio Manager will contact students after receiving the online
request for confirmation of Recording date and time.
c) For Duplication requests, Recording Studio Manager will contact you
when CDs/ DVDs are ready for collection.
d) Cash Payment must be made at Level 1 Admin Office before collection
of CDs/ DVDs. Students are required to retain Official Receipt as proof of
payment made and present this to the Recording Studio Manager when
collecting their CDs/DVDs.
All bookings require a 2-week notice and a one-hour minimum booking is
required for any Recording session. A 50% deposit is required and is nonrefundable
for the sessions cancelled with less than 24-hour notice. Rates
include the use of the recording studio and a student engineer (studio
manager’s rates are double).
Students who prefer to record in one of the halls must pay a hall rental fee, in
addition to a recording fee.
(for current students)
2 track recording S$50 per hour
Editing and Mastering S$50 per hour
Multi-track recording S$100 per hour
Multi-track Mixdown S$100 per hour
DVD Authorization S$50 per hour
Non-degree recital S$50 (flat fee)
All recordings at the Conservatory are under the purview of the YSTCM
Recording Studio. The studio is not for use as a rehearsal or practice facility
and is off-limits to all faculty, staff and students unless accompanied by the
Recording Studio Manager. The operation of the studio and all associated
equipment is limited to the Recording Studio Manager and his designees
only.
In addition, the Recording Studio equipment and supplies are for use in the
Recording Studio only and may not be loaned out to anyone for any purpose
except with the express written consent of the Director of the Conservatory.
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CONSERVATORY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013
3.5.3 Recital, Chamber Music and Ensemble Recordings
All degree recitals (except junior recitals), performances in the Concert
Calendar, noon recitals, senior and ensemble performances are recorded.
All degree recitals (except junior recitals), are recorded for free. Students may
obtain copies of their recitals and other public performances by placing an
audio duplication request through the Recording Studio Office. Conductors
and soloists of large ensembles may obtain a free copy of their performances
by placing an audio duplication request and indicating whether they were a
conductor or soloist in the performance.
Students who wish to have their non-degree or junior recitals recorded by the
Recording Studio are required to pre-pay a flat fee of S$50. A fee for nondegree
recitals that are over 60 minutes long will be determined by the
Recording Studio Manager. To schedule a non-degree recital recording,
please contact Mr Zhou Xiaodong at xdzrec@nus.edu.sg
Video recordings are available on special request for the non-degree or junior
recitals. For rates and scheduling of video recordings, please contact Mr
Zhou Xiaodong at xdzrec@nus.edu.sg
3.5.4 Audio Duplication Fees
1 CD/DVD S$10 each
2 CDs/DVDs S$20 each
Additional copy
S$5 each
(of the same performance)
Audio duplication fees include materials and services. Editing is not included
in the fees (performers who require editing will be charged S$50 per hour).
High-volume duplications (additional copies of the same performance) are
available.
Duplications will be completed within 10 working days. Rush duplications
(within 3 working days) will include an additional fee of 25% of the cost. Prepayment
is required prior to the order being processed.
Note: Most large ensemble concerts span 2 or more CDs.
7% GST is chargeable.
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CONSERVATORY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013
3.6 SECURITY
3.6.1 Instruments, Equipment and Personal Belongings
In the interest of security of instruments and equipment, the Conservatory has
installed cameras at various locations within the building as well as other
various security measures. Security officers patrol the Conservatory building
regularly during and after office hours each day, including weekends and
public holidays. Lost and Found items can be given to or retrieved from the
Security Office located in the Concert Hall foyer. Please note that the
Conservatory is not liable for loss of any musical instruments or personal
belongings.
3.6.2 Visitors
All visitors to the Conservatory are required to sign in at the Fire Command
Center (FCC) located in the Concert Hall foyer. Faculty staff and students are
responsible for their visitors, who should be accompanied at all times during
their visit to the Conservatory. It is important that any suspicious persons and
intruders be reported immediately to the security personnel or any
Conservatory staff member immediately.
3.6.3 Fire Safety
The person who discovers the fire shall immediately:
(a) Raise the alarm by activating the nearest fire alarm “break-glass” call
point.
(b) Assist in evacuating people from the immediate area of smoke and/or
fire.
(a) Notify Conservatory Security (Tel No: 6516-7476), Campus Security (Tel
No: 6516-1616) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (Tel No: 995).
(b) Close all doors to rooms, escape staircase and corridors to contain the
smoke and/or fire.
In the event of a fire emergency, audio and visual alarms will activate
throughout the building. Please leave your personal belongings and musical
instruments in the rooms and exit the building via the nearest fire escape exit.
Fire Wardens, identified by their bright orange safety vests, will be mobilized
to guide in the evacuation. Please follow their directions at all times.
3.6.4 Emergency
Campus security can be approached for assistance in any emergency
through the 24-hour hotline 6516-1616. In an emergency situation where
serious injury is involved, call 995 for an ambulance. Basic first aid kits are
available at the following locations: 1 st storey – Security Office, Admin Office,
Director’s Wing, Music Library and 3 rd storey – Faculty Lounge
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